My new shop vehicle...

[Gerard]

...and father of the Sprite.

 

[mightymidget]

where's "baby momma" ?

 

[Gerard]

where's "baby momma" ?

This proper lady...

 

[aeronca65t]

Looks like a very nice A35 van. I'd love one of those if I have enough space.

 

[drooartz]

Very neat A35 van. Funky and practical. Did you find it in the USA or import?

 

[Gerard]

Very neat A35 van. Funky and practical. Did you find it in the USA or import?

This van has been with the same owner since 1986. He was an airline pilot, now long retired, and was one of the two vehicles he keep in England when staying there. The other was the 1953 Morris Minor I also now own. He owned it since 1986, and brought it over as a personal vehicle in 1994.

I've known the gentleman for about 10 years and periodically helped him with parts of advice. When he decided to sell this one a couple weeks ago, he let me know I had 1st right of refusal, so while I didn't chase after it, I was lucky that he let me know he was ready to part with it. I seriously thought he'd never sell it or if he did it would go on CL or ebay. These are so rare in the US, I simply could not pass up on it. So, this is another one that "followed me home".:highly_amused:

I wanted something to make my runs to the machine shop with engine blocks and flywheels, and to my other garage space where I'm working on my '37 Chevy. This seemed like the perfect opportunity for something small that would have enough room for what I need. I hate having to take my pickup all the time. Your flywheel will probably be coming home in this if it's not raining tomorrow.

This van will need a little fettling to be in the working order I like, but it's been kept up with some nice upgrades. It has a fairly fresh 1275 and ribcase with a single HS4. Electronic ignition, front disc brakes, 8" rear Metropolitan hydraulic drum brakes (originally, rear brakes are mechanical on these). It's a very decent driver.

 

[HealeyRick]

I love watching the A35 v Jags at Goodwood:

Wonder how the van would handle on track? Any plans for a "Gerard's Garage" logo on the side?

 

[JPSmit]

Oooo pretty - are you Wallace or Gromit?

 

[Gerard]

I love watching the A35 v Jags at Goodwood:

Wonder how the van would handle on track? Any plans for a "Gerard's Garage" logo on the side?

I think the van should handle as well as the sedan if it was set up right. The problem would be visibility. An interesting thing I discovered about the A35, is that is has a stabilizer bar the connects to both shock arms and acts as an anti roll bar.

Yeah, been thinking about my logo and also the "Flying A". I'll need to find someone to print a color vinyl one I can stick on that will hold up under UV. The flying A I can just do in white or red vinyl. I have so much else to do first though.

 

[Gerard]

Oooo pretty - are you Wallace or Gromit?

Dunno yet, but I think people will be doing some double takes when they pull up and see my dog sitting where they expect the driver to be... LOL

 

[Guest]

Oooo pretty - are you Wallace or Gromit?

I thought the same exact thing as soon as I saw it.

 

[1974MGMidget]

Gerard, that's a pretty nice shop truck! Reminds me of a vehicle my wife and I saw while walking in downtown Holland, MI. Did a double take when we walked past this store. They had a pretty nice looking Mini sitting in the window being used as decoration for outdoor gear. Should have been out driving around on the street! (and, yes, I went in and looked and it was a complete car, not just a shell)

 

[Gerard]

Gerard, that's a pretty nice shop truck! Reminds me of a vehicle my wife and I saw while walking in downtown Holland, MI. Did a double take when we walked past this store. They had a pretty nice looking Mini sitting in the window being used as decoration for outdoor gear. Should have been out driving around on the street! (and, yes, I went in and looked and it was a complete car, not just a shell)
View attachment 36797

haha... that's pretty cool!

 

[anarchy99]

I'm trying to come up with a logo as well... Something simple but memorable. At this point in technology and the inter webs, it's come up with your branding before someone beats you to it or your good idea gets morphed into there good idea.